The Development Control and Regulatory Board of Leicestershire County Council is scheduled to meet on Thursday 18 June 2026. The meeting's agenda includes a report on the proposed diversion of a public footpath and the presentation of petitions.

Proposed Diversion of Public Footpath P12 at Butt Lane, Blackfordby

A significant item on the agenda is the application for a Public Path Diversion Order concerning a section of Public Footpath P12 at Butt Lane, Blackfordby. The report details a proposal to divert the footpath from its current route, labelled A-B and C-D-E, to a new route, F-G-B and C-H-I-E, as shown on Plan No. 2575(P).

The report outlines that the application, made by Mr and Mrs Jarvis of 200 Butt Lane, Blackfordby, seeks to resolve an anomaly where the currently used path does not align with the Definitive Map¹. The proposed diversion would move the footpath from running through the applicants' garden to an alternative route on land also stated to be in their ownership, which the public is reportedly already using. Discussions have also taken place with an adjoining landowner regarding landownership boundaries, and the diversion application has been extended to include a section of footpath constructed as part of a new housing estate.

The report details legal considerations under Section 119 of the Highways Act 1980², which governs the diversion of public rights of way. It also summarises objections received from Mr Ball of 116 Butt Lane, Blackfordby, and R.B. Sunderland of Platt White Partnership. Mr Ball's objections include concerns about the accuracy of the Definitive Map, the declaration made on the application form regarding obstruction, and the link to the surfaced path through the housing development. R.B. Sunderland's assessment questions the accuracy of the base mapping used for the proposed diversion and suggests that the angle of the path has altered compared to older maps.

The report notes that the applicant has agreed to indemnify the County Council against any claims for compensation that may arise from the diversion. It is recommended that an Order be made under Section 119 of the Highways Act 1980 to divert Public Footpath P12 (Part) at Butt Lane, Blackfordby.

Presentation of Petitions

The meeting is also scheduled to include the presentation of petitions under Standing Order 33, relating to reports from the Director of Environment and Transport on Public Footpaths.